SARNIA, July 30, 2026 - Responding to the growing need for skilled wildfire and emergency management professionals, Lambton College will launch a new Wildfire Prevention & Emergency Response Operations Ontario College Advanced Diploma program in September 2027. The program will prepare graduates to help protect Ontario and Canada from the increasing impacts of wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters.
Lambton College is the first in Canada to offer this unique model of full range fire service programs with the addition of wildfire and emergency management to its established Pre-Service Firefighter and Fire Science post-secondary programs. Applications to the new program will be accepted beginning in October 2026.
“Fire science is what we do,” said Dave Machacek, Lambton College’s Senior Vice President, Academic, Research and Student Success. “We have the knowledge, skills, and facilities to offer this much-needed training. We look forward to working with our northern partners who will enhance curriculum with their extensive wildfire management and prevention experience. Lambton College is ready to meet the training needs required to mitigate and prevent the devastating impacts of natural disasters. Wildfires and floods are annual challenges in many parts of the province, and our graduates will be prepared to answer the call to help protect Ontario and Canada.”
The program’s curriculum includes certifications and specialized fire science and disaster training that result in an impressive resume for those considering careers in firefighting, disaster management, and emergency response. The program includes a blend of curriculum as well as optional additional training that will be offered locally in Sarnia and in Northern Ontario. Courses in the program will cover:
- Fire and life safety education
- Wildfire mitigation
- Public information management
- Basic incident command
- Youth fire setting intervention
- Wildland urban interface
- Evacuation management
- Restricted radio communications
- Hazards/risk/policy/legal strategy
- Traditional ecological knowledge
An understanding of tools including drones, chainsaws, hand tools, and power pumps as well as remote camp set up will be included. In addition to critical wildfire prevention and emergency management hands on skills, students will learn leadership strategy with special attention to developing high performance teams, and crisis communications media training.
“The need is apparent,” said Michelle Gervais, Emergency Services Specialist and Subject Matter Expert hired by Lambton College to build out the program details. “We need to intentionally assess and strengthen the decision-making, communication, situational awareness, and leadership capabilities that enable effective command in complex, multi-agency emergency response environments. The graduates of this program will be well poised for this work.”
Applicants will require Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certification from any Ontario College, or equivalent credentials, for admission. This program also complements Lambton College’s renowned Fire Science Technology program, giving students the opportunity to pursue either or both the Fire Science Technology and Wildfire Prevention & Emergency Response Operations programs following completion of the Pre-Service program. The program will be offered in three terms over two years, including first year fall and winter terms with an opportunity to explore employment over the summer before returning to class for the final fall term.
For more information on the Wildfire Prevention & Emergency Response Operations program and how Lambton College is helping prepare graduates to protect Ontario and Canada, visit www.lambtoncollege.ca/FWRS.